Self-care is supposed to help you feel better—not become another thing you feel guilty about.

In recent years, wellness culture has exploded. Morning routines, journalling, meditation, breathwork, supplements, sleep trackers, exercise plans and endless self-improvement advice all promise a healthier, happier version of you. Individually, many of these practices are genuinely helpful. But together, they can quietly become another source of pressure.

In this article, I explore the rise of wellnessmaxxing, why perfectionistic self-care often backfires, what psychology tells us about sustainable wellbeing, and how to build a healthier relationship with the tools that are meant to support you.